introduction Yazd The city of Yazd, located in one of the most interesting regions of Iran, was once a busy trade junction on the ancient Silk Roads and later a popular stopover on the Hippie Trail. It is now the most tourist-friendly city in Iran with a welcoming oriental atmosphere. Surrounded by the desert with

Introduction Tehran Although getting to known Tehran at a glance might sound improbable, yet, there are a few useful tips for getting acquainted with this impressive city. First of all, each major Iranian city has one or two major features distinctive of its history, architecture and lifestyle. Tehran has two. First, its unrivalled Qajar period

introduction shiraz Shiraz has historically had a reputation for being a large provincial city to unwind and enjoy a midday nap in one of its numerous gardens (bagh in Persian). At a glance it is the nonchalant capital of Iran where some of the country’s greatest poets had dwelled and been laid to rest. Shiraz

introduction Kerman Kerman is the last major city en route to the border with Pakistan and its historical importance cannot be underestimated. Not unlike Yazd, Kerman was spared the destruction of Mongol invasion, which gave its Zoroastrian community a breathing space and opportunity to grow. Although their numbers have since dwindled, the city still have

introduction Kashan Quite small, but rather special city of Kashan, approx. 250km south from Tehran, is a namesake of the Persian for “tiles” (kashi) and it is not a coincidence. Historically known as an artisanal centre, Kashan gained its reputation for ceramics and fine pottery under the Seljuks (1038-1220) and the numerous factories on approach

introduction esfahan Esfahan, known and not without a reason, as half of the world, is a city of unrivalled historical and aesthetic significance both in Iran and abroad. Esfahan at a glance is mesmerising and the more you look, the more you enjoy what you see. Aside from the sheer beauty of its historic monuments,